Public Affairs Officer

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the lead for public affairs activities at CEM, coordinating closely with Amentum Corporate communications, and ICE Office of Public Affairs, to support government media relations, including drafting responses to media inquiries, drafting press releases, talking points, fact sheets and briefing materials.
• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive internal and external communication strategies, plans, and products to keep stakeholders informed and aligned.
• Act as support for congressional liaison: monitor legislative developments, prepare and coordinate responses to Congressional inquiries, support briefings, hearings, and site visits, and build/maintain productive relationships with DHS/ICE congressional liaison representatives and lobbyists, if applicable.
• Facilitate timely, accurate, and secure two-way information exchange between the program/contractor team and DHS/ICE components to promote mutual understanding, resolve issues proactively, and ensure program success.
• Monitor traditional, social, and news media coverage related to CEM, ICE operations, and immigration enforcement; provide analysis and strategic recommendations to program leadership and government partners.
• Support crisis communications planning, rapid response, and issues management in coordination with DHS/ICE.

Required Qualifications and requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Affairs, Journalism, Political Science, Government Affairs, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in public affairs, media relations, strategic communications, or legislative affairs, preferably in a federal government or federal contracted work environment.
• At least 4 years of direct congressional liaison or Capitol Hill experience, including drafting responses to Congressional inquiries, preparing briefings, and engaging with congressional staff.
• Demonstrated ability to work in high-scrutiny, sensitive environments such as law enforcement, homeland security, or immigration/detention operations.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate complex or technical information into clear, concise messaging for varied audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to build and sustain professional relationships with senior government officials, media representatives, and congressional stakeholders.
• U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a favorable Secret (or higher) security clearance and pass all required background investigations for unescorted access to ICE facilities.

Preferred

• Prior direct experience supporting DHS, ICE, or other federal law enforcement/homeland security programs.
• Familiarity with federal contracting, detention operations, or immigration enforcement communications.
• Crisis communications or issues-management experience.
• Bilingual proficiency (English/Spanish).

Other Responsibilities

• Safety - Amentum enforces a safety culture whereby all employees have the responsibility for continuously developing and maintaining a safe work environment.
• Quality - Quality is the foundation for the management of our business and the keystone to our goal of customer satisfaction.
• Procedure Compliance - Each employee must read, understand, and implement the general and specific operational, safety, quality and environmental requirements of all plans, procedures and policies pertaining to job.

Compensation Details

TBD

Benefits Overview

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Retail retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)
• Educational reimbursement
• Parental leave
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Tax-saving options
• Disability and life insurance
• Pet insurance